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Blind holes, right? Jammed up with crud is a good call. Also in this line of thought, maybe the bolts are too long? Or the holes were not tapped with a bottoming (giggity) tap?
Alright, got resbond and new safety wire, cleaned the mating surfaces with some 1000 grit, and reinstalled everything. I determined that the safety wire had kept the bolts from backing out completely, but they had definitely loosened... just enough to let the turbo rotate a bit. Clamped it all down, everything is nice and tight. First time playing with safety wire. It was fun! And I'm pleased with how it came out.
After cursing at the vband clamps for a couple hours, I got the car back together. It was leaking here, so I had to re-do that joint. Thank you, Chan-nel Locks.
Pulled the valve cover to have a look. Thankfully everything looks purdy under there:
I didn't have time to mess with it further, so I towed it to the storage unit and put it away. I was originally going to wait til June to finish it (should have my own garage by then) but might work on it again sooner.
Aidan suggested that I do a coolant pressure test. I'm thinking to do that, drain the oil and have a look.
Thinking about one of those Cometic MLS gaskets. Will have to read up on them a bit. I should be able to get decent pricing on an OEM MLS gasket, so will have to determine which is best.
I also need MS help. Wish I'd learned it sooner. I had noticed some leaner AFR's lately, seemingly random... maybe thrown off by the altitude? I don't know. but I'm betting that's why the HG is (likely) toast. Not sure where else it'd be mixing.
Aidan suggested that I do a coolant pressure test. I'm thinking to do that, drain the oil and have a look.
Thinking about one of those Cometic MLS gaskets. Will have to read up on them a bit. I should be able to get decent pricing on an OEM MLS gasket, so will have to determine which is best.
I also need MS help. Wish I'd learned it sooner. I had noticed some leaner AFR's lately, seemingly random... maybe thrown off by the altitude? I don't know. but I'm betting that's why the HG is (likely) toast. Not sure where else it'd be mixing.
Would love any input y'all want to offer.
I have been using eBay MLS HG which cost about $25-$30 for years without any issues. I have had them next to an OEM one and friends could not pick out which is which.
Thanks for the input. However, I don't enjoy this work so I'll be looking to buy the BEST head gasket, not the least expensive.
I don't think any are better or worse then any others. Unless you needed one for oversized pistons. I can probably count on one hand how many people I have seen over the years with HG issues.
After researching, looks like I'll stick with OEM unless someone suggests something that's better than OEM. I believe my engine is stock bore (it's got an OEM gasket in there now) so I think I'll just do OEM again.